…rise up

We’ve been counting it down all week, and now it’s time to make our Tony predictions (or as many are affectionately calling the, the Hamiltonys).

In honor of this incredible moment in theater history, we’re expanding our choices because well…”Hamilton.”

If “Hamilton” wins in every category in which it’s nominated Tony history will be made, but even with its incredible popularity, that’s not guaranteed. And if we’re being honest, we’ll be gleefully glued to the broadcast either way, because above all, tonight is about celebrating theater, all theater.

So, we hope you’ll tune in and enjoy. In the meantime, here are our 2016 Tony Awards predictions:

Best Play:

Zer- “The Humans” – I haven’t seen this one, but I know someone who has, and I’ve read the reviews, and heard nothing but amazing things. Plus, it’s nominated for 6 awards tonight, which is nothing to sneeze at.

Stephanie- “The Humans” – Although I would love to have seen all of the nominated plays, I have not been so fortunate. So, I’m going with the smart people who have seen this one and the other nominated plays.

Best Revival of a Play:

Zer- “A View From the Bridge” – Arthur Miller done well is hard to compete with. This production, from the acting to the directing to the design, has been executed incredibly well.

Stephanie- “A View From the Bridge” – I almost went with “The Crucible” on this one. Don’t make me regret that decision, Tony voters…although I do always love a good upset.

Best Revival of a Musical:

Zer- “The Color Purple” – I’m not going to lie, I had a hard time picking this one, and I wouldn’t be shocked if “She Loves Me” sneaks in for the win. However, this stripped down version of “The Color Purple” has won over critics and audiences on both sides of the pond, so it’s hard to see it losing.

Stephanie- “The Color Purple”- This production has received rave reviews all over the world. And Cynthia Erivo is supposed to be absolute magic in the lead. And given the quick turnover since the original Broadway production of this show, I have to imagine it’s spectacular.

Best Musical:

Zer- “Hamilton”– More than enough has been said about this Broadway juggernaut. As someone who saw it before it became the giant it is today, I can honestly say it lives up to, and surpasses all the hype. It deserves every word of praise it has received and then some. If it doesn’t win tonight, it won’t just be an upset, it will be a robbery.

Stephanie- “Hamilton” – There are few wonderful things that have not been said about this show. If it doesn’t win, it will go down in history as one of the biggest Tony upsets of all time. It will win.

Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical:

Zer- Leslie Odom Jr. “Hamilton” – This is one of three musical acting categories that I’m certain of. I’ll get to the other ones in a minute. As the man who kills Hamilton, Odom is incredibly charming and captivating. Pegged as the “villain” from the beginning, it would be easy to write him off as the bad guy, but Odom gives Burr depth. Not to mention he has an amazing, smooth voice to go with voice to go with it.

Stephanie- Leslie Odom Jr. “Hamilton” – There are some who think this will go to Lin-Manuel Miranda, and I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve the honor. But the role of Burr is so incredibly “charming and captivating” (as Zer put it), and yes, he is also a lead. I have to give this one to the “damn fool” that shot Hamilton.”

Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical:

Zer- Cynthia Erivo “The Color Purple” – I know. I know. It’s not “Hamilton.” I loved Phillipa Soo as Eliza Schuyler / Hamilton. She was fantastic. I just don’t think her performance has the standout power to beat Erivo’s powerful performance in “The Color Purple.” I’d love to be wrong though.

Stephanie- Philipa Soo “Hamilton” – I think the power of “Hamilton” will get this one for Philipa, who is fantastic. The role doesn’t have those quintessential “power moments,” but the performance is stunning in its subtlty.

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical:

Zer- Daveed Diggs “Hamilton” – This category has three competing members from the “Hamilton” cast, which should have made it difficult to decide. It was not. Diggs is a powerhouse. His energy and unique performances as both Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson give him a clear edge over everyone else in this category, including the amazing performances by his co-stars Jonathan Groff and Christopher Jackson.

Stephanie- Daveed Diggs “Hamilton” – This was a very “Hamilton” heavy category, and they’re all fantastic, but Daveed Diggs is the definite standout in this group. His performances as both Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson are highlights of an overall incredible show and it’s hard to imagine anyone else going home with this Tony tonight.

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical:

Zer- Renee Elise Goldsberry “Hamilton” – There’s no doubt in my mind that Ms. Goldsberry will be going home with a Tony for her performance as Angelica Schuyler. She’s a performer who demands attention with her performance, which matches her character perfectly. It’s hard to imagine anyone else giving Angelica the life, personality, and spunk that Ms. Goldsberry does.

Stephanie- Renee Elise Goldsberry “Hamilton”– As far as female performances in “Hamilton” are concerned, Angelica has the most powerful moments and Ms. Goldsberry rocks it out.

Best Book of a Musical:

Zer- Lin-Manuel Miranda “Hamilton” – While I don’t think Mr. Miranda will win the acting award for his performance of the title character, there’s no doubt that he will take home both best book and score. He’s created a cultural phenomenon that’s brought millions of new fans to the theater. If that doesn’t deserve an award or two. I don’t know what does.

Stephanie- Lin-Manuel Miranda “Hamilton” – This is the other reason I think Leslie Odom Jr. will win best actor, Mr. Miranda is nominated in just about every other category, and deservedly so. The brilliance of this show is the direct result of Mr. Miranda, and he will take home this award.